A surge of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched across cities worldwide, voicing their support for Gaza and calling for an end to Israel’s bombardment. The global outcry occurs as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its third week.
Amidst the rainfall, Marble Arch near London’s Hyde Park saw protestors gathering before they journeyed to Whitehall in the government district. London Police estimate the crowd size to be up to 100,000 strong. Participants waved Palestinian flags, denouncing Israel’s airstrikes and blockade and expressing their concerns about the Hamas militant group’s recent incursion into southern Israel.
Amid these demonstrations, concerns of increased antisemitic and anti-Muslim offenses have grown. Reports show a significant uptick in both types of crimes in October. Although the majority of protests have been peaceful, a few incidents of disorder and hate speech have been reported. Germany’s capital, Berlin, saw pro-Palestinian demonstrations banned due to fears of violence and hate speech, even as pro-Israel demonstrations received approval.
The world saw similar outpourings of support from cities like Rome, Sydney, and New York. In Rome, protestors declared their solidarity with Palestine, and in Australia’s Sydney, chants like “Shame, shame Israel” echoed.
Casualties continue to mount with over 4,300 reported dead in Gaza since the war’s inception. Israel has lost over 1,400 people, a majority of them civilians. Despite the ongoing conflict, Saturday witnessed the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
Friday saw a myriad of protests across the Arab world, with activities ranging from tire burnings and stone-throwing at Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank to large gatherings in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa.
New York City was home to protests, leading to several arrests outside U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand’s office. Rabbi Miriam Grossman from Brooklyn voiced the anguish of both Jewish and Palestinian communities.
Demonstrations in Mexico City occurred outside the Israeli Embassy, with candle-lit vigils and chants of “Free Palestine.”
Worldwide, pro-Israel rallies have also been prevalent, many emphasizing the return of hostages taken by Hamas. One poignant display was in Rome, where the Jewish community set a Shabbat table outside the primary synagogue, symbolically representing those held by Hamas.